Color Psychology: Decorating With Red
Welcome back friends! This is another post in a weekly series where I explore decorating with a specific color. After a brief introduction to the effects of that color on us, I share examples of harmonious color schemes that could be used to decorate with that color. So far,I have explored decorating with Black, Green, Violet, Blue, Yellow, Orange, and Brown . Today I will be exploring decorating with Red.
Color psychology of Red
Warm
Energizing
Dramatic
Stimulates the appetite
Boosts confidence
Attracts attention
Improves concentration and memory
If you are interested to learn more about the psychology of the color Red, Click here
Color schemes
So, how can we create harmonious color schemes with Red
We need our handy dandy……Color Wheel
By examining the color wheel, we can derive the following color schemes with Red. Please note that following the 60-30-10 rule will help you create a balanced color scheme. It is all about visual balance. 
Monochromatic Color Schemes
[A color scheme that consists of a single color].
Analogous Color Schemes
[A color scheme that consists of colors that are next to each other on the color wheel. You can select 2 or 3 hues in this scheme.]
Example: Red, Orange & Yellow OR Red, Red-Violet & Violet.
Complementary Color Schemes
[A color scheme that consists of colors that are directly opposite each other on the color wheel.]
Example: Red & Green
Split Complementary Color Schemes
[A color scheme that consists of a particular color and the two colors on each side of its complement on the color wheel.]
Example: Red, Blue-Green & Yellow-Green
Triadic Color Schemes
[A color scheme that consists of 3 colors that are evenly spaced on the color wheel. Choose one dominant color and the other two as accents.]
Example: Red-Violet, Blue-Green, Yellow-Orange OR Violet, Blue-Green & Red-Orange
Tetrad Color Scheme
[A color scheme that consists of 4 colors that form a rectangle or square on a color wheel]
Example: Red-Orange, Blue-Green, Yellow-Green , Red-Violet
Red is a powerful color that can be a challenge to decorate with. It can either cause you to feel warm and energized or irritable and angry. The more saturated and vibrant the red hue is, the more likely it would raise blood pressure and heart rate. Therefore, limit it to accent pieces in order to take advantage of its positive effects and avoid its negative effects.
I love to decorate with red because of its warmth and energy. However, I am more comfortable with muted and darker shades of red than the saturated ones. See my dining room….
and Family room…..
